Virtualization, in computing, refers to creating a virtual vision rather than an actual vision of something, which includes computer network resources, virtual computer, storage devices, and hardware platform and so on. A technology in which an application, data storage, or operating system is abstracted away from the original underlying hardware or software is called virtualization. Virtualization uses a software layer namely hypervisor to emulate the hardware. The input and output device, CPU’s memory and network traffic are often included as the hardware.

What does virtualization do?​

In other words, virtualization software helps to run virtual machines (VMs) on the computer system. A guest operating system which runs on a host machine–a computer system—is run virtually on virtual machines. Virtualization had its beginning in the year 1960 as a technique of logically partitioning the system resources provided by mainframe computers between different applications. Thereafter, the definition of the term has broadened.

The challenge faced by the IT organizations are mainly the limitations faced by today’s x89 servers, which is capable of running only one operating system and application at a time. Due to this reason, many servers have to be deployed by small data centers, each operating at just 5 to 15 percent of capacity. On the other hand, virtualization makes use of software to replicate the existence of hardware and create a virtual computer system. As a result, it allows businesses to run multiple virtual systems, applications and operating systems on a single server.

What are the different types of virtualization?

Virtualization is primarily of 7 types but the major ones are only three which include:

Network virtualization

Network Virtualization is the method of combining network functionality and hardware and software network resources into a single, software-based administrative entity, which results in a virtual network. This involves platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is further categorized into external virtualization and internal virtualization.

Storage virtualization

Storage Virtualization occurs when physical storage from multiple network storage devices is pooled together into a single storage device called central console. This type of virtualization is generally used in storage area networks. This assists the storage administrator to perform the task of backup, recovery, and archiving at an ease and in lesser time limit by disguising the real complexity of SAN (storage area network).

Desktop virtualization

This type of virtualization helps to separate the logical desktop from the physical machine. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, a form of desktop virtualization, can be considered as an advanced form of hardware virtualization. To interact with the host computer, the user interacts with the host computer using another mobile device or another desktop computer with the help of a network connection, such as Local Area Network (LAN), wireless LAN or the internet rather than using a keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

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